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[gaijinalways]

I'm trying to decide for two debate classes I have which format I should use. I'm not sure if it will be the same for both classes or not.

http://www.csun.edu/~dgw61315/debformats.html

I have used a simplified version of;

Pro opening/ Con opening
Pro rebuttal/ Con rebuttal
Con cross/ Pro cross
Pro closing/ Con closing

I don't necessarily impose time limits, though I do impose point limits (generally 3 per side). We probably will have 2 pairs of teams, so it does take a while to finish the debates.

Any suggestions on an alternative format? Any pointers from people who have taught debate. My seminar class is usually ranging from low intermediate to high intermediate levels, whereas my regular class ranges from false beginner to low intermediate levels (sometimes I get a higher level int'l student, but it's rare in that class).

They'll be debating about diet, specifically related to issues about eating animals. Last year they debated about terrorism issues (my higher level class, the lower one did easier topics, but more as the debates were usually less formal; country vs. city living, cats vs. dogs, going to school on Saturdays, wearing school uniforms, etc..).

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Best,

GA